OnePlus 5, 5T Owners, Here's What You Need To Do To Watch Netflix And Amazon Prime Video In HD

The OnePlus 5 and OnePlus 5T will now be able to stream Netflix and Amazon Prime Video in HD. However, unlocking the feature will not be as simple as downloading an over-the-air update. ( OnePlus )

One of the rare shortcomings of the OnePlus 5T is that the smartphone is incapable of high-definition streaming for Netflix and Amazon Prime Video — until now.

Owners of the OnePlus 5T, along with the OnePlus 5, will now be able to watch Netflix and Amazon Prime Video on their devices in HD. However, the necessary update to unlock the feature is not just something that users can download.

Why Can't You Watch Netflix HD On OnePlus 5T?

OnePlus 5T and OnePlus 5 owners are not able to watch Netflix HD or Amazon Prime Video HD because the smartphones come with Widevine Level 3, which only allows streaming in standard definition. Widevine Level 1 is found in most flagship smartphones and it allows HD streaming.

OnePlus 5T owners took to the official OnePlus forums late last year to complain about the lack of Widevine Level 1 in their devices. A OnePlus spokesperson then promised that the feature will be coming soon to the smartphone, though there was no expected rollout date and an explanation why it was not included in the first place.

OnePlus 5T Owners: Here's How To Unlock Netflix HD

No longer will the OnePlus carry the red flag of being the so-called flagship killer without the capability to stream Netflix in HD.

OnePlus 5 and OnePlus 5T will now be able to enjoy Netflix and Amazon Prime Video HD streaming on their smartphones. However, adding the feature will not just require an over-the-air update.

Upgrading the devices from Widevine Level 3 to Widevine Level 1 will require a physical connection from an authenticated PC," according to OnePlus community manager David Y. This means that OnePlus 5 and OnePlus 5T owners will need to mail back their smartphones to OnePlus to receive the update.

David Y, however, added that OnePlus will cover the courier costs in sending back the devices, though only to the company's official service regions of North America, Europe, India, and China. There is also a process in place to make sure that the devices will be returned to their owners in five working days or less from when OnePlus receives them.

The process is certainly a cumbersome one, especially for users who are used to receiving all the upgrades for their smartphones through over-the-air updates. However, given the circumstances surrounding the situation, it appears that OnePlus 5 and OnePlus 5T owners have no choice.

Owners may contact OnePlus customer support if they want to watch Netflix and Amazon Prime Video in HD, or they could wait and upgrade to the OnePlus 6, which is scheduled to be released in the second quarter.